Shadi Petosky, a trans woman, attempted to fly MCO-MSP today. She tweeted out some disturbing reports of being harassed and detained by TSA at MCO, including being told that she couldn't take pictures and that she had to give up her phone.
I don't know her and I haven't heard anyone else's side on this, but here are some of her tweets from the evening. I redacted TSO names due to FT policies, and did not include tweets related to her dispute with American Airlines:
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I am being held by the TSA in Orlando because of an "anomaly" (my p---s)
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The TSA at the Orlando Airport told me I couldn't take photos but this is denigrating. I have missed my flight
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The TSA has left me in a room alone. There is an officer holding the door.
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SA agent B----- told me to get back in the machine as a man or it was going to be a problem.
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TSA agents are now saying their are explosives alarm from my hands and the officers gloves when she gave me a full body pat down.
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I asked TSA agent B----- if he had any training in trans issues. He said "I know what I am doing"
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Cop asked me what sex I was. I told him I wasn't going to answer that question. I am complying but come on.
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They're telling me they have to take my phone. I told them that I want to use this to keep a record of what is happening
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A man a brown suit came and whispered to TSA agent S----- to make sure I am not taking photos or video.
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There are now 2 police officers, 1 explosives specialist and four TSA agents. They're taking my phone for screening
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I am through. It was about 40 minutes, 2 full body pat downs, fully disassembled luggage. I missed my flight.
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A TSA agent is telling me to leave the airport. I asked them to please call a supervisor, I just want to get to an American Airlines gate
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TSA told me to rebook at the gate but it is closed so they are making me leave until a
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To get a new boarding pass through American Airlines. So I am back out of the secure area being escorting by a police officer.
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They told me to get myself together, I am sobbing, not belligerent.
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American Airlines manager is telling me that "in the future ask for a private screening"
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I literally want to no lectures from American Airlines on how to travel while trans. I want the same privileges as cis people.
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When the police officer asked me what sex I was I told him I wasn't to respond. He said this was not a game. Are trans civil rights?
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TSA supervisor R---- luckily heard the officer and stepped in and said me disclosing sex/gender was not an issue.
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Then he told me I looked like a woman to him. Which I am sure he meant as a compliment, but what if I didn't?
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I paid for a ticket. The @tsa told me they'd escort me through, but these agents have no idea what I'm talking about
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What @tsa and @AmericanAir is doing publically is completely different than what I am experience
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Back in the TSA line. Here goes nothing
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The TSA agent said "step back in please" and the manager ran over and was like "no no, you're good!"
TSA hasn't commented on Twitter, other than to say:
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TSA takes all potential civil rights violations very seriously. We are looking into the situation now for further information.